Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: Sorry if this isn't your area of expertise, but you were definitely the closest
one. I'm really interested in getting a job in Law Enforcement and would like
to know more information. The problem is, I just don't know exactly what I
would like to do. I'll start out with a little information on myself: Im a junior
at the moment with a 3.7 GPA and I am ranked 23 out of 265 students. I am
an Eagle Scout and have played soccer for 12 years, so I'm in pretty good
shape. Im also fairly well built at 6'1'' and 185 lbs. I was looking into SWAT
and other Special Situations teams, and have a few questions. I read another
question you answered and you stated that to be on SWAT you have to do
regular police work first. My main question is, to have a successful career in
Law Enforcement should I get a degree in LE or just attend a Police Academy
and work my way up from there? Also, what other elite units are their besides
SWAT? When I say elite, I basically just mean any special teams that do more
operations than regular policemen. Thanks in Advance, Craig

ANSWER: Hello Craig,
First let me congratulate you on what appears to be a sterling example of the good youth that one rarely reads about in the news.
Yes, you are invited to read a number of my prior missives on this subject.
And, keep in mind, that much of what I offer is predicated on opinion.
Yes, I know of no law enforcement agency that employs new hires for immediate assignment to special operations.
Maybe the closest to that might be in the Intelligence community,, e.g.., CIA, DIA et al.
And, a lot depends on the agency specific that you have in mind. Large agencies clearly have more opportunity than a small agency.
All police academy orientations are geared to be a foundation of essentials for the agency and employee to get calibrated to. (It's the employee that WILL do the adjustment calibration).
Also, there is no ONE way to be successful on a law enforcement agency.
In my personal view, there needs to be a commingling of academics, coupled with field experience, and excellent training officers. Much depends on what you do on your own initiative.
College is always a good avenue to pursue. I think that college in an of itself won't make a poor or mediocre officer a good one, but will tend to make a good officer a better one, if that makes sense.
You could think about getting some of the core requirements under your belt, e.g.., English 101, Political Science 101 etc.
Any writing labs will serve you well, as will speech classes, where written and oral communications are valuable.
My counsel, is not to attend college during the time you are in a police academy. You WON'T have the time. And, arguably, it's tough going to college during your probationary period, as you need to be VERY focused, and lots to learn.
Prior to being 21, consider working at the police agency you favor. That will give you an "insider's" view of structure, organization, culture, inter/intra personal dynamics and so on.
By being in proximity, you will be more able to discover what qual;ities, or KSA's (knowledge, skills, abilities) any special ops commander is looking for. It might surprise you, that even in SWAT, it isn't all "John Wayne" stuff.
Learning Verbal-Judo, conflict management skills along with a host of others also have a place in police service.
You'll want to distinguish yourself as a good-hand in your entry level duties.
Often times, there are an assortment of volunteer duties as well, like Honor Guard or something. You should know much of that through Scouting.
Depending on the size and location of the agency, there are a host of various subdivisions, and subdivisions of subdivisions.
Vice, Narc, Search & Rescue, Criminal Intelligence, Special street units for high crime areas, Traffic, K-9, Juvenile, a long range of units in a typical Detective Bureau, and so on.
Generally, you get a wider range of possibilities with a large local agency, than with a federal agency.
I think there are something like 53 separate federal police agencies. Most go to basic academy at a FLETC. The FBI and DEA have their own facility at Quantico VA, and I recall the VA police also train their own at Little Rock ARK.
So, sniff around and do your research, in terms of what you want at this juncture of your life, soas to make an informed decision.
In the mean time, think about martial arts training...always helpful, study the U.S. Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, and 14th Amendment.
CONCENTRATE on the 4th Amendment, re "Use Of Force", also, Tenn. v. Garner
Keep in mind, that most/many agencies will help with tuition for college for their employees....
Take some free FEMA and OSHA courses on the net,
Well lad, this should be enough to give you somethings to think about.
Good Luck, and keep your powder dry.
loren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, I have one more question if you don't mind. Could you give me a few tips
on being prepared to help my chances of actually make a SWAT team? Like how
physically fit, basic tactics, familiarity with basic weapons, stuff along that line.
I've got a pretty good shot with a rifle, excellent with shotgun, but kinda weak
with a handgun.(unless its a revolver) Thanks

Answer
Hello Craig,
Fitness is clearly a required asset. I would say that stamina is important, upper body strength, and hand strength are both essential.
See if you can interview a SWAT member at your local agency, and inquire about other sub-sets, e.g., Communications, first aid, electricity, chemical munitions, full automatic weapons, explosives, etc.
You can study an Army or Marine basic field manual on infantry tactics, and be pretty close to many SWAT tactics. Separate tactics from a rural environment, to that of urban.
Things like repelling, are pretty easy to master, unless you have a fear of heights.
I don 't know of many SWAT members that still use a revolver.
I think that most carry a 9mm, or 10 mm.
Many prefer the semi-autos by Glock, Sig, H&K, Baretta, etc.
When you become proficient with a handgun, also start practicing with your weak hand, for proficiency.
Various manuals will illustrate things such as door entrys like the "cross-over, and button-hook"
But again, I would recommend you focus on the entry level position.
I can tell you with a measure of certainty, that a "career" in SWAT is something you will not want, for a variety of reasons...belive me.
Discipline, team concepts, maturity, knowing policy and procedures, knowing the law(s) relative to the use of deadly force, are all in the mix of KSA's needed to know.
Many young people don't seem to understand, that often times, the competition for units like SWAT will include those with military experience in general, and special ops like SEAL's or Force Recon, Ranger, or special forces in specific. Some may even have combat experience.
All that, plus favorable street experience at the entry level.
There is no magic formula, and there are many variables.
Good Luck, and try not to be blinded by the flash of a subdivision being portrayed on TV.
loren